Quote:
Originally Posted by CamaroSkooter
That being said, I do not subscribe to the theory of "guns for all, no restrictions" either. I fully believe that people convicted of certain crimes should have their right revoked indefinitely. However, I'm not fully convinced that that revocation should include all felonies absolutely. I personally know someone who was convicted of felony theft when they were younger who cannot purchase a firearm because of that conviction, even though they are now more responsible than half the people I know who are legally allowed to purchase a firearm.
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See I actually disagree with you about this. Unfortunately, the system IS broken, and it "has" to be like this. But revoking a person's rights forever should only be done with due process... like the process that happens that would lead to a conviction. After a conviction, a person is given a penalty. Sometimes it's a fine, sometimes it's long term jail time. However, after that is taken care of, the criminal's debt to society is supposed to be deemed "paid", which means restoration of all rights. (Edited to add: I mean to say that "forever" means that due process has removed them from society "forever").
The legal system serves two main purposes: Rehabilitation, or removal. If a person is sentenced to jail time (removal) and let out, it is because the debt is paid and they are "rehabilitated". If they prove in jail that they are too dangerous, they are kept. If a person is so potentially dangerous that he or she is barred from having a firearm, then he or she should not be in the general public. At all. There is no such thing as a person "too dangerous to have a firearm", but not so dangerous that we'll risk that person having access to things that can make explosives, or knives, or whatever makeshift weapon. That's a ridiculous assertion that is implied by the way our legal system releases people. If someone is let out and is on probation, then I understand. That person is still paying their debt to society. But once that is all done... hasn't punishment been applied? Of course there are countless legitimate things that could have rights temporarily revoked... but those are slippery slopes as well....
Quote:
Originally Posted by CamaroSkooter
All of that being said (and I tried not to get political, I hope I succeeded in that), it's interesting to see what the opinions on these issues are from people who live outside the United States - especially people who live in countries with very different gun laws.
The perspective is always interesting.  |
I've heard someone from UK and someone from Aussie. The UK person touted their low rate of firearms-related crime, but of course completely ignored the rest of their crime. The Aussie was a prior gun owner. He was less enthusiastic.
Ah, and then my girlfriend who is from Brazil. Absolutely hated that I had guns, and thought nobody should have them.
Until I sat her down and explained some things.
And took her shooting
Also this thread....
